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Flavour Quest Recipes

Creamy Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl (25-Minute Comfort Plate)

Creamy Chicken Mac & Cheese Bowl is a classic comfort dish made even heartier with tender chicken and a rich, cheesy sauce. This quick 25-minute recipe delivers creamy, stovetop mac and cheese that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something warm, filling, and satisfying without turning on the oven.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups Cooked chicken, diced or shredded
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Milk (whole or 2%) (whole or 2%)
  • 1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • ½ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp Black pepper
  • ¼ tsp Paprika (optional)
  • ¼ cup Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  5. Add salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Stir to combine.
  6. Add cooked chicken and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Remove from heat and serve warm.